Armed police descended on Heathrow Airport this morning following a violent disturbance involving pepper spray, leading to one arrest and multiple injuries.
Armed Response at Multi-Storey Car Park
The incident unfolded at the multi-storey car park serving Terminal 3. Emergency services, including armed officers from the Metropolitan Police, were first alerted at 8:11 am on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
According to police reports, a group of men carried out an assault using a substance believed to be pepper spray. The assailants then fled the scene immediately. Officers have confirmed that one man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody as enquiries continue to locate the other suspects.
Injuries and Major Travel Disruption
Several victims sustained injuries consistent with exposure to an irritant spray, reporting symptoms such as coughing and severe eye irritation. The London Ambulance Service treated the injured at the scene before transporting them to hospital. Fortunately, their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The police response caused significant travel chaos. The entrance to the short-stay car park at Terminal 3 was sealed off, creating major backlogs and trapping some drivers. Additionally, the M4 spur road southbound between the M4 and junction 4A was closed due to a related serious incident within the Heathrow Airport Tunnel.
Not Terror-Related, Say Police
In a statement, Police Commander Peter Stevens moved to reassure the public, stating the incident is thought to have begun as an "argument that escalated between a group of people known to each other". Crucially, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they are not treating the event as terror-related.
The force has assured travellers that there will be a heightened police presence at Heathrow throughout the day as their investigation proceeds.
